chain of command

American  

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

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Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chain of command

“His prescription contact lenses had expired,” Sidhar reported, “and he told his chain of command that he couldn’t even see what he was doing, and he was worried about causing accidents.”

From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2026

The appointments came with aggressive goals that included tightening the military chain of command, turning an ideological militia into a neighborhood intelligence agency and emphasizing an offensive approach.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

Donaldson quickly rose through the DUP's ranks, no longer a politician of protest but a key figure in the party's chain of command, developing a reputation as a strong media performer and policymaker.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

Cases that merit enhanced scrutiny are moved up the chain of command.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2026

It was time to move this thing up the chain of command.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure